We are thrilled that Jason is a member of NHAC!
A little background on Jason and a welcome note from his new blog on politics in the DR Congo, Congo Siasa:
I have been working on the conflict in the DR Congo for the past eight years, most recently as the Coordinator of the United Nations Group of Experts on the Congo (2008). I have also worked for Heritiers de la Justice, a local human rights NGO (2001), the UN peacekeeping mission MONUC (2002-2004) and the International Crisis Group (2005-2007). A book I wrote on the conflict, Dancing in the Glory of Monsters, is due to be published soon. I am currently obtaining my PhD at Yale University.
Welcome Post
A quick note to kick things off:
Congo Siasa intends to chronicle the complex inner workings of Congo politics, in particular, in the restive Kivus region. It should be pithy, brief and analytical. None of us really have much time for anything else. I will also feature guest bloggers, from the Congo and abroad, as long as their views are within the realm of sound reason and relevant.
French, English and any of the Congolese languagea go (although once we get to Kibangubangu, our readership will become seriously limited).
Soyez le bienvenu.
Congo Siasa
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Dear Mr. Jason Stearns,
ReplyDeleteI have always admired your objective and independent work on the DRC, both at ICG and as UN Expert. However, your current comments regarding RUD leaders lack objectivity and fairness.
First, let me thank you for publicly stating in the interview you gave to PRI/NPR on January 23, 2009 that Western countries intelligence services confirmed to you that RUD-Urunana and RPR leaders do not engage in activities contrary to laws and regulations in the countries of their residence and do not conduct financial transactions aimed at financing rebellions in the DRC. The reasons these leaders do not engage in such activities are simple:
RUD-Urunana and RPR are primarily political organizations. Our political platform is articulated around promoting peaceful solutions, dialogue, and the respect of dignity and basic human rights;
The political leaders do not get involved in military affairs;
3) RUD-Urunana and RPR have been engaged in a peace process with the DRC government, in which they committed to a peaceful disarmament and repatriation or resettlement of Rwandan refugees. Financial transactions for a potential rearmament would be contrary to the spirit of the process and the vision shared by the two organizations;
4) AN-Imboneza and RPR-Inkeragutabara do not conduct offensive military operations. Their primary role is to protect refugees.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the coalition between RUD-Urunana and RPR, has multiplied and will continue to undertake initiatives in the search of peaceful and durable solutions to the problem of Rwandan refugees in the DRC.
We always expressed our readiness to meet anyone interested in the peace in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Many actors, including ambassadors of Western Countries, the MONUC, the DRC Government and several NGOs have heeded our calls and met RUD-Urunana and RPR political and military leaders, either formally or informally.
SInce January 2008, in Kinsasa, the NDC and the DRC government voluntarily engaged in a peace process to disarm the troops, for voluntary repatriation or resettlement in the DRC or third countries. The process continued in Pisa and Rome in May 2008 with the facilitation of San’Egidio Community. In Kisangani on May 26, 2008 the International Community witnessed our publication of the Roadmap. On July 31, 2008 we led the disarmament and regroupment of combatants and their dependents in Kasiki, in front of the international Community. Hence, are we surprised that you may insinuate that RUD-Urunana leaders have hindered the disarmament and repatriation or resettlement of combatants and their dependent.
As you may recall, in the night of February 10, 2008, the disarmed combatants along with their defenseless dependents, including women, children, and the elderly were attacked by the coalition of Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the FARDC. Mr. Lambert Menge Omalanda, DRC Communications Minister and Government Spokesperson, stated in the Congolese media that the attack was organized in Kinshasa and the Kivu by "extremists" and "troublemakers bent into disrupting the pacification of the East." The attack happened after several major advances in the Kisangani peace process. On 27 January 2009, in Rome, with the firm support of San’Egidio Community, Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC) and SIT-Norway, the NDC had just signed an agreement with the Government of the DRC. The Agreement provided for the creation of a peace zone in and around Kasiki. To date, we do not know the whereabouts of most of the survivors of the Kasiki pogrom.
Finally, I would like to categorically emphasize the following: RUD-Urunana is an independent political organization. Thus, RUD-Urunana is not a faction of the FDLR, has never been associated with the FDLR, and has its own vision and political platform.
Since you live in the area I would like to meet with you over a cup of coffee to address questions you may have.
Best Regards,
Felicien Kanyamibwa, PhD
SG, RUD-Urunana and President, NDC.
New York, November 12, 2009